The Polaroid Museum features a variety of unique exhibits, including Tim Mantoani’s “Behind Photographs,” where he turns the camera on some of the world’s most noted photographers as they pose with their famous snapshots (back, center), and a history on Polaroid founder Edwin Land (right). Photo courtesy of Polaroid Fotobar.

*As of September 2015, Polaroid Fotobar has been changed to Photo & Go.

When was the last time you’ve been on a field trip to somewhere really cool?

That’s exactly how I felt the moment I stepped in Polaroid Fotobar’s 4,500-square-foot museum. Located on the second floor above its retail store, I’d have to say this is one of the most exciting spots at The LINQ. Not only will you come across the gigantic 20×24 Polaroid instant camera (there are only a couple in the world that exist), you’ll see rare artifacts from Polaroid’s historical collection, learn about Polaroid’s founder Edwin Land and enjoy art by Andy Warhol and other talented photographers.

Plus, the museum’s open space, high ceilings and ample seating areas make it tempting to hang out here all day. Even if you’re not a photo buff, you’ll appreciate the art. Need more convincing? Here are five reasons to mosey over to Polaroid Fotobar this instant.

1. #JJ community color wall

Founded by popular photographer Josh Johnson, #JJ community is an Instagram forum where aspiring photographers can share moments by a specific theme/contest. For Fotobar’s #JJ community color wall, Johnson asked his followers in a previous project to take photos in one of these particular colors – purple, orange, yellow, red, green or blue. The result? A photo wall that’s more mesmerizing than a rainbow. I seriously lost track of time gazing at all the unique shots.

Johnson, along with one of #JJ community’s co-founders, Kevin Kuster, flew in late last week to visit this Las Vegas attraction and embark on a #JJ Instawalk. Here are some of Kuster’s shots:

Statue of David at Caesars Palace.

Polaroid Fotobar

All photos from Kevin Kuster’s Instagram page (@kevinkuster).

2. Andy Warhol’s “Silver Clouds” exhibit

Floating metallic pillows – how awesome is that? Andy Warhol’s whimsical “Silver Clouds” exhibit made its debut in 1966 at the Leo Castelli Gallery in New York. According to Warhol’s museum website, these balloon “clouds” were made out of the same film used by soldiers to wrap their sandwiches. Originally, Warhol wanted to use floating light bulbs. But this concept worked out so much better, anyway. Plus, it’s fun watching the clouds bump into each other. The patterned wallpaper of Andy Warhol’s face (self-sketch, of course) adds an eccentric flair.

While you’re here, stand next to his wax figure, just steps away from this exhibit. The Warhol replica will be on display until August. Pictures with the art genius are highly encouraged.

Extreme close-up of Andy Warhol’s “Silver Cloud” exhibit.

3. Old-school cameras

I’m such a fan of retro technology. Take my original 8-bit Nintendo, for instance. There’s no way I’m ever letting that go, even if I have to blow into the cartridges to get them to play! This Las Vegas museum takes you through a colorful timeline of Polaroid models through the years. Even the Instagram logo is modeled after one of the past Polaroid cameras. The most stunning one, however, is the life-size 20×24 camera. Here’s some fun facts about it:

It weighs almost 250 pounds.

Presidents including Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama sat for portraits on the 20×24.

“Murphy Brown” star Candace Bergen was the first one photographed with this camera – it was for a Polaroid commercial.

Polaroid’s 20×24 instant camera. Photo by Polaroid Fotobar.

You’ll also run into kitschy styles, like a McDonald’s French fries camera – even a Yo Quiero Taco Bell Chihuahua one.

4. Rare celebrity photos

Celebrity moments never get old. Admit it – when you’re in line in the grocery store, how tempting is it pick up one of the magazines or tabloids? You’re not alone. Andy Warhol started thumbing through magazines in his early teen years. This fascination later inspired him to create art, starting with photos of Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe.

Years later, he snapped photos of history’s most famous celebrities. In his exhibit, “Capturing Celebrity,” you’ll see up-close photos of everyone from Jean Michel-Basquiat and Muhammed Ali to Sylvester Stallone and Cher.

There are also featured works by today’s top celebrity photographers, such as Lucas Michael, Maurizio Galimberti, Marc Serota and Maripol.

5. Become a famous photographer

Sure, your fame may only last a few seconds (instead of 15 minutes), but hey! You’ll still get a rush out of it. By simply taking a photo on your phone and tagging #fotobar on Instagram, your picture will appear on the museum’s digital wall in seconds. You can imagine my glee when I saw mine pop up (pictured below). There’s just something different about seeing your post in public versus your own media channel.

Store hours are from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday – Thursday; 10 a.m. – 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Hours may vary due to demand. Admision is only $5 and free for children 12 and younger.

While this only appeared on the museum’s digital wall for a few short seconds, I still felt like a celebrity photographer.

About The Author

I live for a crazy Vegas adventure, but not in ways you may think. Sure, our nightlife scene is all fun and dandy, but I love discovering all of the city's vegan options, relaxing in hotel rooms and seeing the best concerts - no matter how big or small the crowd may be. Since I've ditched the rain in Seattle two decades ago, I graduated from UNLV and covered Las Vegas entertainment articles for Vegas.com, the LA Times and our very own Total Vegas Blog. When I'm not writing, you'll find me spending time with my husband, toddler and two pets.